Brexit: Ministers ‘in contempt’ for not publishing legal advice

John Bercow, the Commons Speaker, said that he would not linger if there was a case

Theresa May’s most senior ministers face being found in contempt of parliament for refusing to publish the government’s full legal advice on Brexit.

John Bercow, the Commons Speaker, warned yesterday that he would not hesitate to make a decision on contempt if the government tried to stop MPs from seeing the advice produced for the cabinet by Geoffrey Cox, the attorney-general.

Those calling for publication believe it shows that the UK would lose its sovereign right to withdraw from the Brexit divorce deal in any circumstances without the acceptance of the EU.

Mrs May has ruled out publishing the advice despite a unanimous and binding motion by MPs last month that it should be made available.

She told Jeremy Corbyn during prime minister’s questions that…

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